STATE DEMANDING A DAY'S WORK FOR A DAY'S PAY.

Byline: Jon Coupal

THERE has been a new development since we last mentioned the existence of obscure state commissions that have become a refuge for the politically well connected in need of rest, relaxation and a steady paycheck. For years, taxpayers have been outraged by this obvious freeloading at public expense. Now, some members of these commissions are outraged, too - although for slightly different reasons than taxpayers.

Taxpayers were encouraged when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his intention to ``blow up the boxes.'' Such a long-overdue reorganization and streamlining of our antiquated state government structure could save Californians hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

While not the most expensive items targeted for destruction by the Governator, a number of boards and commissions that serve little or no purpose have been especially galling to taxpayers. That is because they have been routinely used for political patronage and payoffs, while producing little of value to California residents.

Appointments to a handful of these commissions, in particular, are the most sought-after positions in the state. This is because the pay is more than $100,000 per year, the work is almost nonexistent and the only qualification is knowing a high-ranking official in state government who owes you a favor.

And let's not forget another advantage to these positions - you don't have to quit your ``day job.''

Over the years, a who's who of down-on-their-luck politicos and members of their families have been provided sanctuary on these boards and commissions - at one time, even a girlfriend of then-Speaker Willie Brown received an appointment.

Under the category of poetic justice, it is now the members of these commissions who are outraged. It seems they have been told by the Schwarzenegger administration to (gasp!) report to work. Said Rick Rice, assistant secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, which issued the order, ``We want a full day's work for a full day's pay.''

This means that Daniel Zingale of the Agriculture Labor Relations Board, who earned nearly $50,000 this year for political consulting, and former Gray Davis press secretary Steve Maviglio of the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board, who earned $20,000 for his political work during the same period, might have to ``punch a clock.''

So, too, will Janice Jamison Murray, wife of state Sen. Kevin Murray, who is appointed to the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. These, and others who have become accustomed to ``working'' from home, will be expected to put in office hours.

Many of those impacted by the state's edict are complaining that the Schwarzenegger administration has no authority to order them to work in their official office. However, Victoria Bradshaw, the California Labor and Workforce Development secretary, believes state law gives her the authority to provide general ``supervision'' over these commissions and their workers.

Before everyone rushes off to hire lawyers, perhaps we can resolve this dispute with a little common sense. Why not apply private-sector standards? Anyone curious as to what that standard is can do a quick survey. Those who are not self-employed should ask their boss what the consequence would be if they announced that, beginning today, they would be working from home and that they expect their paychecks to be sent promptly to their residence until future notice.

Chances are, the boss's response would be that the employee would be welcome to go home with no obligation to return - ever.

In short, this private sector standard, where only a day's work returns a day's pay, is equally valid for all those on the public payroll. State commissioners who refuse to report to work, should be Terminated - with a capital T.